Summary: Just like our winemaker, the Petite Pearl grape hails from the Midwest. Developed by grape whisperer Tom Plocher at his Minnesota/North Dakota vineyard nursery, Petite Pearl represents a huge step forward for winemaking from cold-hardy varietals. Think “Syrah” and you’ll immediately recognize the jammy fruit profile of this unique grape. Our partner grower talked me into trying a batch of this grape in 2018, and I was hooked as soon as the grape lugs were loaded into my pickup. Huge tight bunches of thick-skinned red grapes that gleamed in the afternoon sunshine. At the winery, I was not disappointed with intense aromas during crushing…the rest is history!
Tasting Notes:
Intense aromas of fresh blackberry, plum, raspberry fruit. The palate is enhanced by light black pepper and mocha flavors that linger on the tongue.
Aging Potential: Imminently quaffable in 2025-2026, but should age gracefully over the next 3-7 years.
Food Pairing Suggestions: BBQ ribs, aged Gouda cheese, roasted duck breast, wood-fired pizza, stuffed mushrooms, black bean chili, or seared tuna. Perfect for a red wine cranberry sauce for the holidays!
Technical Data
Appellation: Massachusetts
Varietal Composition: 100% Petite Pearl
Aging Protocol: 100% in stainless steel.
Alcohol: 12% ABV
Production Volume: 652 bottles
Vintage and Production Notes
In 2022, our South Dartmouth partner vineyard basked in the summer sun on the edge of the drought region that gripped most of Massachusetts west of the Cape Cod. Coastal breezes brought just enough rain for the Petite Pearl grapes to swell with juice and the extended sunshine and warmth encouraged tannin production and cluster ripeness. After hand-picking, the full, tight clusters were destemmed and fermented with RP-15 yeast. After 14 days, the wine was pressed from the skins into an a stainless steel tank for malolactic fermentation. Subsequent aging in stainless steel retained the bright jammy fruit aromas this unique varietal is known for.
Prior Vintage Information:
